WARNING – Read this before chosing a Nail Academy!

So you want to start a new career in the South African Nail Industry, there are so many training academies in the marketplace, how do you go about choosing one that’s professional? If you are serious about a career in Nail Technology then here 5 things that you must look for;

1. LOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION:

I recommend that you look at Academies with International accreditation as they usually adhere to high standards and their training follows the required unit standards. Companies that are International have been in the industry for a while and consequently they have experience and a good track record when it comes to their training systems, after training backup, product quality and customer service. Make sure you check out what certificate you will be issued with and in which countries it is accredited in.

2. LOOK FOR A COMPLETE TRAINING KIT:

When investigating Nail Training Academies, don’t buy on price alone. There is a reason why some training courses are so cheap. Before you do a price comparison, ask for the kit contents in writing, but, you must also go to the academy and ask to see the training kit. I suggest that you look for Academies that provide you with a complete Nail Technology Kit. What do I mean by a complete kit? I mean a kit that contains Salon size products. You should be supplied with a kit that has enough Technical Product for you to complete your training, your portfolio of evidence and your practical exam and even start working on paying clients. Some Nail Training Academies supply training kits with product samples. Initially the course looks good value for money; however, you get caught on the back end when you quickly run out of product even before you qualify. In order to qualify, now you must lay out a lot more money to get the products you need to complete your training. . If a Nail Academy cuts corners on their kit, I guarantee you they will cut corners on their training. That brings me to the next point.

3. LOOK AT THE DURATION OF THE COURSE:

Nail technology modules are short courses. However, beware of Training Institutes that train 2-3 systems in three to five days. Professional Academies generally train one system in four to five days or more. If you are serious about launching into a new profession, making a success of Nail Technology and earning a good income, then you have to realise that you cannot master the basics in two to three days of training. Quality education creates superior technical skill which is the foundation of your professional success. It’s what separates you from the crowd and makes you the best at what you do. Professional training is essential if you are going to become successful in an industry that is saturated with Nail Tech’s.

4. GO VISIT THE ACADEMY

Don’t just phone or email asking for prices and course dates. Get in your car and go check the Academy out. Just by visiting the place of business you will get a good idea as to the quality of training you will be given. Ask to see the Training Kit. Check out the classroom. Inspect their hygiene levels. Are they organised or disorganised? Check out their trainers. What are their qualifications? How many years have they been in the Industry? Are their certificates displayed? Beware of people who are training Nail Technology courses but who have had less than three years experience working as a Nail Tech doing nails on a daily basis. Are the trainers and staff passionate about the Nail and Beauty Industry, or are they simply in it for the money? If you are still not sure, I recommend having a set of nails done at the Training Institution. This will tell you everything you need to know about their training.

5. LOOK FOR ONGOING SUPPORT:

Lastly look for Companies that provide ongoing support. The Nail Industry is very competitive, look for Training Institutions that are prepared to support, advise and guide you on a long-term basis.